Shift Workers: Solutions for Sleep Problems

You stand at the bathroom sink, yawn, and splash cold water on
your face. You glance at the clock—it is 10 pm. Instead of putting
on pajamas and crawling beneath the covers, you are dressing for
work. You fill a thermos full of coffee and stumble out the door.
On the drive to work, you rub your eyes and roll down the window a
bit to keep from falling asleep at the wheel. You have trouble
concentrating on your work and you struggle to stay awake
through the night. Finally, it is quitting time and you can go
home to bed. Just when you are about to drift off, a neighbor cranks
up a lawn mower, the birds seem to chirp louder than usual, and you
cannot ignore the sunlight seeping in around the corners of the
drawn shades.

The lifestyle of a shift worker can be tough. The lack
of sleep can lead to many problems, including
depression, lower job productivity, health problems, and
marital and family discord. It can also lead to accidents, both on
the job and on the highway. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) notes that shift workers are more likely to drive to or from work drowsy at least a few days a month than those who work a regular daytime schedule.

For millions of American shift workers the frustration of struggling to stay
awake while they perform their jobs and then battling with
insomnia
and other sleep-related problems once they return home is too real. But if shift work creates so many problems, why not just stick with
a daytime routine? Well, many people who make their living at odd hours
provide crucial services, such as emergency care and police and
fire protection. There is also a demand for round-the-clock workers
in the transportation and manufacturing industries. Shift work is essential in our
24-hour society. Our bodies,
however, are regulated by a different clock.

Internal Circadian Clock

Humans are regulated by an internal body clock that causes them
to be active or sleepy based on different phases of each 24-hour
day. For most people, the desire to sleep is greatest when it is
dark outside, and the need to be alert and active is greatest when
it is daylight.

When people don't follow this internal schedule, it can affect their health. Nearly 10% of shift workers are diagnosed with delayed sleep phase syndrome. It is a sleep disorder characterized by late bedtime and waking 2 hours later than normal or desired times on most days. It is also found in people who do swing (or rotating) shift work. Even though people working swing shifts occasional work "normal" hours, their bodies do not have enough time to adjust to changing sleep schedule.

Strategies for Getting Some Shuteye

If you are working a shift and having trouble sleeping when you
get home, here are some strategies for getting some much-needed
rest:

Keep a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends.

Find a bedtime routine that makes you feel relaxed and ready for sleep.

Some physical activity during your working hours may also help. Consider getting physical during your breaks by taking quick walks. If you still have problems, consult a doctor about the use of prescription or
over-the-counter
sleep aids.

A Short Snooze

When you cannot get enough sleep, you may find it beneficial to
take a nap. A short nap can recharge a person and improve job
performance, alertness, and mood. The National Sleep Foundation reports that naps at the workplace are important and effective
for employees who need to keep a high level of alertness in order
to make quick decisions. Naps at the workplace are also helpful for
people working doubles or 24-hour shifts.

Some may continue to have trouble even with these changes. If you are experiencing severe symptoms related to sleep
deprivation, it may be best to consider a job change, or at least a
shift change.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.